Thanks to the popularity of the literary drama 'Romeo and Juliet', Verona has, over time, become known as the City of Love. This weekend, however, AC Milan hope that the Venetian city can instead become the City of Awakening from the nightmare of Rafael Leão and Christian Pulisic.
In general, it has been a very poor season for the Rossoneri forwards, but more specifically, the team’s two attacking stars have been struggling for far too long, partly due to recurring physical issues that have weakened them. Now, with six matches remaining and a Champions League place to secure, it is essential that Rafa and Christian step up and carry the team, as relayed via Milan News.
Starters
Despite the fact that Leão has not scored since 1 March and Pulisic has not found the net since 28 December, in fact, that goal came in the reverse fixture against Hellas Verona, manager Massimiliano Allegri believes in their quality and knows they can explode back into form at any moment. The feeling is that all it takes is a single goal to unlock them.
For this reason, according to 'La Gazzetta dello Sport', Leão and Pulisic will start in Milan’s 3-5-2 formation when they take to the pitch at the Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi against Hellas this Sunday at 3pm. Regardless of everything, they remain, at least potentially, the most dangerous attacking options available to Milan, as well as the team’s top scorers. Meanwhile, competition in the attacking department has done little to trouble Allegri.
Numbers together
To break free from the nightmare of this 2026, they must also overcome the statistics they have produced together this season. Data reported by 'La Gazzetta dello Sport' highlights how injuries, tactical setups, and overall form have made it difficult for Leão and Pulisic to perform as a pair.
They have started together in only nine matches, despite being tipped in July as the key attacking duo for Milan. The record stands at five wins, one draw, and three defeats, with all three losses coming in the last seven matches.
What is most concerning, however, is the number of goals scored: just eight when they have started together, averaging fewer than one per game. Far too little. In short, this Sunday Leão and Pulisic will not only be facing Verona, but also their own ghosts, which have become increasingly pressing with each passing match.
